These homemade air fryer donuts are a game-changer for breakfast and brunch lovers. With just 121 calories per serving and 5 minutes of cook time, you’ll enjoy perfectly golden, fluffy donuts without the hassle of deep frying.
The best part? These lighter treats still deliver that classic donut satisfaction while keeping the fat content to just 3 grams. Skip the trip to the bakery and whip up these irresistible goodies right in your kitchen – they’re faster, healthier, and just as delicious.
Air Fryer Donuts – Ingredients
- Whole Milk: ½ cup, warmed to 100-110°F for optimal yeast activation
- Granulated Sugar: 2 tablespoons to feed the yeast and add sweetness
- Active Dry Yeast: 1½ teaspoons, ensures proper rising
- Unsalted Butter: 3 tablespoons, melted for tenderness
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon, pure for best flavor
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups, provides structure
- Kosher Salt: ¼ teaspoon to enhance flavors
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare Yeast Mixture: Combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast in stand mixer bowl. Let rest 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in melted butter, egg, and vanilla until well combined.
- Form Dough: Using dough hook on low speed, gradually add flour and salt. Mix until dough forms a ball.
- Knead: Continue mixing for 5 minutes until smooth. Place in oiled bowl.
- First Rise: Let dough rise in warm spot for 1 hour until doubled.
- Shape: Roll dough to ½” thickness, cut 3″ circles with 1″ centers removed.
- Second Rise: Place on parchment-lined sheet, rest 30 minutes until 50% larger.
- Air Fry: Preheat to 350°F/176°C. Cook in batches for 5 minutes until light brown.
- Finish: Add your favorite glaze while still warm.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Donuts
The magic of these donuts happens in the temperature of your ingredients! Your milk should feel like warm bathwater (100-110°F) – this happy temperature keeps your yeast cozy and active. When you’re working the dough, a light dusting of flour on your hands and surface will prevent sticking without making the dough too dry. Space your donuts about an inch apart in the air fryer basket – they need room to puff up nicely!
Easy Variations
Love to mix things up? Try adding 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon to your dough for a warm, spicy twist. For chocolate lovers, dip your cooled donuts in melted chocolate instead of glaze. You can even turn these into jelly-filled treats – just skip cutting out the center holes and pipe your favorite jam inside after they’re cooked. The donut holes are perfect for making bite-sized treats with different toppings!
Serving Ideas
These donuts shine brightest when served fresh and warm! Set up a fun topping station with different glazes, sprinkles, and crushed nuts. For breakfast, pair them with hot coffee or cold milk. Making them for dessert? Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat. Kids love decorating their own donuts – it’s a great way to get the whole family involved!
Storage and Reheating
Your donuts will stay fresh for 1-2 days in an airtight container at room temperature. Want to save them longer? Pop them in the freezer for up to 2 months! When you’re ready to eat, warm them in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes at 300°F. They’ll taste almost as good as fresh-made. Just add the glaze after reheating for the best texture.
Air Fryer Donuts
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Stand Mixer
- Rolling Pin
- Cookie Cutters
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup whole milk warmed to 100-110F
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Add the warm milk, granulated sugar, and yeast to the bowl of a stand mixer and whisk to combine. Allow the mixture to sit for 5 minutes, or until the yeast is foamy and fragrant.
- Next add the melted butter, egg, and vanilla. Whisk again to combine.
- Attach the dough hook to the stand mixer and set the speed to low (Kitchenaid #2). Slowly add the flour and salt. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Continue mixing until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl and begins to form a ball. If the dough is too wet (sticking to the sides of the bowl) add more flour one tablespoon at a time until the dough begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl.
- Knead the dough (on low speed for 5 minutes if using a stand mixer) until the dough is smooth and just barely sticks to your hands. Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl and then place it in a warm spot to rise until doubled in size– about 1 hour.
- Punch the dough down slightly and then transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Use a floured rolling pin to roll the dough until it is ½” thick. Cut out large round circles (3″) and then use a smaller (1″) round cookie cutter to cut out the center of the donuts.
- Place the donuts and donut holes on a parchment lined baking sheet and allow them to rise for an additional 30 minutes, or until they have increased in size by about 50%. Preheat your air fryer to 350ºF/176ºC for 5 minutes.
- Lightly grease your air fryer with nonstick baking spray and add a few donuts (or donut holes) to the basket. Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer! Spray the tops of the donuts with nonstick baking spray. Cook for 5 minutes, or until light brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Continue cooking in batches. Garnish with your favorite glaze and enjoy!
